Leeds United are back in the Premier League! After two long seasons in the Championship, the Whites have secured automatic promotion thanks to a commanding win over Stoke City — and it’s all under the guidance of German tactician Daniel Farke.
For Farke, this marks the third time he has led a team to the Premier League, having previously done so twice with Norwich City. His latest achievement with Leeds underlines his reputation as a Championship promotion specialist, and now the focus shifts to top-flight survival and success.
Here are five powerful lessons from Leeds United’s journey back to the top.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Joël Piroe of Leeds United celebrates his second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United FC and Stoke City FC at Elland Road on April 21, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
5. Farke’s Promotion Blueprint Still Works
Daniel Farke arrived at Elland Road with a clear identity — possession-based, attacking football with intelligent pressing. He patiently rebuilt a fragmented squad, gradually instilling confidence and tactical discipline.
Over two seasons, Leeds United became a dominant force in the Championship. Their promotion proves that Farke’s system still thrives at this level, even in an evolving and ultra-competitive league.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Leeds United’s Joël Piroe celebrates his goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United FC and Stoke City FC at Elland Road on April 21, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
4. Home Form Made the Difference
Leeds turned Elland Road into a fortress this season. Their consistent home performances, especially against fellow promotion contenders, laid the foundation for success. Games like the emphatic win over Leicester and the recent Stoke triumph showed grit, control, and clinical finishing.
This home advantage, combined with a passionate fan base, gave Leeds a psychological edge throughout the season.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, gives instructions to Harry Gray of Leeds United before substituting him on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United FC and Stoke City FC at Elland Road on April 21, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
3. The Squad Believed in the Project
Many doubted Leeds after relegation — especially with big-name exits and early inconsistencies. But Farke managed to galvanize a mix of academy graduates, loanees, and Championship veterans.
Players like Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, and Archie Gray stepped up massively, while experienced heads like Liam Cooper and Ethan Ampadu provided leadership. The entire squad bought into Farke’s vision — and it paid off.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team’s sixth goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United FC and Stoke City FC at Elland Road on April 21, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
2. Farke Knows the Premier League Drill
This isn’t new territory for Daniel Farke. The German coach knows exactly what it takes to operate in the Premier League, having managed Norwich City in the 2019/20 and 2021/22 seasons.
While his Norwich sides struggled to survive, Farke now brings more experience, better backroom staff, and the momentum of a solid promotion campaign with Leeds. He’ll aim to learn from the past and adapt Leeds’ style to match top-flight demands.
1. Leeds United Are Back Where They Belong
For Leeds fans, this promotion is more than just a return to the Premier League — it’s a return to relevance. The Whites have endured chaos in recent years: boardroom changes, multiple relegation scraps, and managerial merry-go-rounds.
Now, with a clear structure and a proven leader in Daniel Farke, Leeds United are ready to re-establish themselves as a Premier League club. The journey back was tough, but the future feels exciting again at Elland Road.
🏆 What’s Next for Leeds?
With promotion sealed, the hard work begins. Recruitment will be key, as Leeds aim to avoid a repeat of previous top-flight stints that ended in relegation. Farke will likely demand strategic signings, especially in midfield and attack.
OXFORD, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Karl Darlow of Leeds United celebrates after team mate Manor Solomon (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Oxford United FC and Leeds United FC at Kassam Stadium on April 18, 2025 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images)
But for now, Leeds United can celebrate a well-earned return to the Premier League — and credit must go to Daniel Farke, the man who delivered promotion once again.